Better Boards Conference 2026
Master the Art of the Boardroom
31 July - 1 August • Cairns Convention Center
Governance and Leadership Conference
for Leaders of Not-for-profit Organisations
The Better Boards Conference is a multi-day event that focuses specifically on governance and leadership knowledge for board members, CEOs and directors of not-for-profit organisations.
A key networking and professional development exercise, this great-value conference is worth including as your board's principal development activity.
Join industry leaders for governance and leadership focused presentations with insights, information, ideas, practical tools, solutions and strategies to support directors' governance and leadership knowledge.
Conference Information
Speaker Applications are OPEN.
Are you keen to share practical governance knowledge with board members of NFP organisations? The organising committee is now accepting original papers and presentations that assist board members and CEOs to succeed in their role to provide clarity, direction and innovation through strategic thinking and governance best practices. [ download the full details here ].
Apply at: https://app.betterboards.net/speakers/apply
Applications close: Friday 29th January.
Who should apply?
• Leaders (directors, CEOs, chairpersons) of organisations or companies.
• Researchers in the field of governance, strategy, decision-making.
• Individuals who in their field of endeavour have a powerful and practical message that is aligned to the conference theme.
Better Boards Conference 2026
SAVE THE DATES
Pre-Conference Board Member Innovation Tour: Thursday 30 July
Conference: Friday 31st July – Saturday 1st August
Conference Location: Cairns Convention Centre
Conference theme for 2026: Pathfinders – Governing with Courage
Not-for-profit organisations (NFPs), social enterprises and community businesses fill essential gaps and provide support and services in areas of need. The survival and success of these organisations is essential to achieve their mission, function and purpose.
Long-term strategy will be challenged by the rapidly evolving environment. Boards face uncertainty, funding volatility and the need for transformation. Today's leaders are Pathfinders, forming strategies, policies and processes to allow their team to navigate the varied obstacles and changes along the road to ensuring the success of the organisation. Pathfinders discover what's possible, they create clarity, direction, and permission for the organisation to explore, adapt and grow. Leaders with pathfinder behaviour integrate strong governance discipline with strategic exploration, innovation and courage.
The Better Boards Conference assists boards, CEOs and executives of NFP organisations with timely insights, practical tools, solutions and strategies to support governance and leadership roles and responsibilities, to help build better boards for our NFP organisations.
Join directors and CEOs of not-for-profit organisations to refine and strengthen your approach to governance and leadership and to continue your professional development in a board-focused environment. Take this opportunity to connect, grow and master the art of the boardroom.
Each year the Better Boards Conference aims to provide opportunities for directors and CEOs to discover realistic and practical ideas, information, tools and processes that will assist with the governance and leadership of their organisation.
